It’s Summer! Stay #FDNYSmart!

Hi Friends! It’s Siren here. One of my favorite times of year begins today. It’s the first official day of summer and I can’t wait to go out and enjoy all the fun! There are a few summer safety tips I want to share to make sure your summer is fun and injury-free.

Stay Water Smart!
A spike in temperature often means more water fun, but according to the Center of Disease Control, about one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger.

A very important tip: you should never, ever swim without a lifeguard present.

FDNY members have responded to several swimmers in distress and that is something that can be avoided by simply following the rules of the beach or pool you’re visiting. Always listen for a lifeguard’s whistle, as well; he or she will alert the swimmers of any approaching danger.

Learn more about water safety by reading my blog post on Swimming Safety Tips here.

Beat the Heat with Sun Safety
Sometimes too many rays can be dangerous. Spending too long in the sun can cause heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion, heat cramps and sun stroke.

Our littlest friends are often the most vulnerable. The best way to fight the danger is to practice prevention.

• Here are some tips to stay safe from the sun:
• Don’t stay in parked cars, even if the windows are cracked open.
• Make sure to wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and don’t forget a hat to protect your face and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Schedule outdoor activities for morning or evening hours when it is cooler.
  Sunblock should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before heading out. Don’t forget to reapply every 2 hours, even on a cloudy day.
• Hydrate: Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of liquid each day, more if you are active. Staying hydrated is really important because your bodies sweat more and lose more water. It’s especially the most important for our little friends to drink enough as they are often the most susceptible to dehydration.

Insect Safety
The summer season means you will probably see an increase in pesky bugs like ticks and mosquitoes and ones that sting like wasps or bees.

Here are some tips to that can keep you safe:

• Avoid areas where insect nests tend to be, like stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods or gardens where flowers are in bloom.
• Use insect repellent that contains DEET to prevent insect related diseases like Lyme Disease. The American Academy of Pediatrics and Center for Disease Control recommends that children over 2 months of age use 10 – 30 percent DEET.
• The concentration of DEET varies from product to product. Be sure to read the label to make sure you are using an approved concentration for your little one. Don’t forget children need to wash off the repellents when back indoors.
• Summer can mean an increase in wasps and bees. Being stung can be painful and even dangerous if you are allergic. Be sure to read up on my blog post on Wasp and Bee Sting Safety here. It talks about what to do if you are stung by a bee or wasp and how to handle an allergic reaction.

BBQ Safety
Another favorite summer activity is grilling. If you or your family are planning any BBQs, remember your grill safety tips. The FDNY sees an increase of grilling accidents during the summer. Remember that BBQ grills are designed for outside use only and using one inside could result in fire and serious injury. Never leave a grill unattended once it’s lit. Encourage children to stay away from grills and any open flames. Be sure to use utensils with long handles to avoid burns and splatters. It’s important for adults to inspect the propane tank they are using to grill. Never attempt to repair the propane tank valve or appliance yourself, always have a professional do the job so no one gets hurt.

Remember, following our fire and life safety tips will keep you, your family members, and friends #FDNYSmart this summer!

Be sure to watch our Summer Safety PSA here and share it with all your friends. Plus be sure to follow us on Twitter! You can find Hot Dog and Siren here.